NCJ Number
201772
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 28 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2003 Pages: 8-20
Date Published
August 2003
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article reports on a survey of faith-based programming within United States and Canadian correctional systems.
Abstract
Statistics on faith-based programming, funding, and accommodations were provided by 44 United States correctional systems and 6 Canadian correctional systems. The survey was conducted because the introduction of new faiths such as Asatra, Astara, and Asatru have created confusion over what should be allowed within prison settings in the name of religious freedom. Survey results revealed that instructional faith-based programs and services are offered in 100 percent of the responding United States correctional systems and in 93 percent of the Canadian systems; however, 100 percent of the Canadian systems sponsored worship services. Funding information was offered by only 24 United States systems; data indicated that funding varied widely by State, from a low of $50 per year per facility in Nebraska to $166.90 per inmate per year in New York. Accommodations for religious programming have expanded since 1993, with 41 of the United States systems and 4 of the Canadian systems providing accommodations for dietary restrictions and 42 United States and 4 Canadian system providing accommodations for prayer. The article contains four tables that show data concerning operations, funding and services, accommodations, and the various religious faiths reported by inmates.